Michael Lynn, a former solicitor aged 53 from Red Cross, County Wicklow, gave evidence in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in the thirteenth week of his trial on charges of theft. Mr Lynn pleaded not guilty to 21 counts of theft totalling approximately €27 million from seven financial institutions between October 2006 and April 2007. The prosecution alleges he obtained multiple mortgages on identical properties without the knowledge of lending institutions. Under questioning from his defence barrister, Mr Lynn outlined his career progression from a Mayo farming background through Trinity College education to establishing his own legal practice in 1997. He described expanding his Blanchardstown-based firm and concurrent involvement in property development and overseas ventures through his company Kendar Holdings Limited. Mr Lynn testified that between late 2005 and October 2007, he was not involved in day-to-day management of his legal practice, stating he was travelling constantly during this period. The trial, which resumed following Mr Lynn's Covid-related absence, continues before Judge Martin Nolan and a jury.
In March 2017 the Special Criminal Court sentenced Sharif Kelly, 51, and Edward McGrath, 39, to life imprisonment for the 2013 gun murder of 35‑year‑old Peter Butterly, a father of three, who was shot outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston. The murder trial lasted 35 days after a collapsed first trial in 2015. McGrath was also convicted of firearms offences. The State's main witness was former co‑accused David Cullen, who had his murder charge dropped after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a semi‑automatic pistol and was jailed for three‑and‑a‑half years. Kelly and McGrath appealed, arguing Cullen's testimony was unreliable and that McGrath had no knowledge of the murder plan. The Court of Appeal, in a 170‑page judgment, rejected both appeals, finding the evidence against the appellants sufficient and the admissibility of Cullen's testimony justified. The court noted no error in the trial's findings and declined to quash the convictions.
A man from Ballymahon in County Longford has received a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to possessing stolen power tools at a market in Dublin. Brian Nevin, aged 30, admitted to 13 counts of possession of stolen goods found at Balbriggan Sunday market on 21 January 2018. The tools, valued at approximately €3,000, included drills, a screw gun, laser level, and other equipment. A tradesman from Tullamore recognised one of his stolen drills at the market and alerted gardaí. Following investigation, gardaí recovered the items and arrested Nevin, also seizing cash and the van used. At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, the judge imposed a 12-month custodial sentence suspended for 12 months on strict conditions, noting that Nevin had no further convictions since 2015 and remained engaged in his community. Nevin has 29 previous convictions.
Five men have been sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for their roles in an affray during which a man was attacked with weapons including a slash-hook and hatchet on Hartstown Road, Dublin on 7 February 2015. The victim sustained scalp and shoulder cuts and a fractured upper arm bone. A young child was present in the vehicle during the incident. Brendan Donavan, Eddie McDonagh, James McDonagh, Michael McDonagh and James Whelan all pleaded guilty to affray. Judge Elma Sheahan noted the seriousness of the offending and the presence of a child as aggravating factors. Michael McDonagh, Eddie McDonagh and Donavan each received three-year sentences with the final six months suspended. James McDonagh received an 18-month sentence with eight months suspended, plus a consecutive 12-month term with six months suspended for a separate matter. James Whelan received an 18-month sentence with ten months suspended. All defendants must keep the peace during their suspension periods. The court heard other persons remain to face charges relating to the attack.
John Greene, 24, was sentenced to two years in prison for dangerous driving during a high‑speed Garda chase on June 5, 2019, near the old Naas road. He pleaded guilty to two counts of dangerous driving, criminal damage to a road sign, resisting a police officer, driving without insurance and without a licence. Greene drove over 90 km/h in a 50 km/h zone on wet roads, repeatedly used handbrake turns, skidded across traffic lanes and Luas lines, and at one point spun 180 degrees before colliding head‑on with a patrol car in pursuit. He later crashed into an electronic road sign, after which Garda officers used an ASP baton to break his window, removed his keys, and restrained him, with pepper spray deployed. A warrant was found for his arrest; his real address was in Bluebell, Dublin. John Greene was convicted.
Two men have been jailed at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following their conviction for transporting a sawn-off shotgun in the Balbriggan area on 25 September 2020. Thomas McDonagh, aged 36, of Oldcastle Drive, Clondalkin, and William Ward, aged 25, of Owendoher Haven, Ballyboden, both pleaded guilty to possession of the firearm. The men attempted to flee at high speed after gardaí signalled them to stop, prompting a pursuit during which two children were forced to take evasive action. Armed gardaí ultimately apprehended both defendants following a foot chase. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a sentence of three-and-a-half years imprisonment on McDonagh, noting he was conveyed the firearm by a relative. Ward received two-and-a-half years imprisonment, with the judge taking account of his age and mental health difficulties. Both men's early guilty pleas allowed the judge to depart from the mandatory minimum sentence of five years. The court heard there was no evidence the defendants intended to use the weapon.
A man has been sentenced to eighteen months imprisonment at the Special Criminal Court for perverting the course of justice during the investigation into a 2013 murder. Ray Kennedy, aged 40, was found guilty of destroying a mobile phone SIM card on the day Peter Butterly was fatally shot in a car park at Gormanston, County Meath. Kennedy had arranged to meet Butterly the previous day and arrived at the scene shortly after the killing. Gardaí had requested he remain for interview, but while waiting, he removed and disposed of the SIM card, which prosecutors described as evidentially significant. Justice Tony Hunt imposed a four-year headline sentence but suspended two and a half years on humanitarian grounds, citing Kennedy's daughter's serious health condition. The judge rejected Kennedy's account that he had panicked, finding instead that his actions were calculated. Kennedy must enter a good behaviour bond of one hundred euros for two and a half years following release. Ray Kennedy pleaded not guilty.
Ray Kennedy, aged 41, of Blanchardstown in Dublin, has been found guilty of perverting the course of justice at the Special Criminal Court following his destruction of a mobile phone SIM card on 6 March 2013. The card was considered of significant evidential value to the Garda investigation into the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly at Gormanston, County Meath. Kennedy's defence counsel argued against a custodial sentence, citing his young daughter's serious health condition requiring round-the-clock care and his previously unblemished background. The prosecution contended that Kennedy's actions were calculated to conceal his involvement in the incident. Presiding Judge Tony Hunt noted that a custodial sentence remained under consideration whilst granting bail due to Kennedy's family circumstances. Sentencing has been adjourned to 12 July. Four men have previously received life sentences for Butterly's murder, with two others also imprisoned for roles in the killing.
A man has been found guilty by the Special Criminal Court of disrupting the garda investigation into the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly in 2013. Ray Kennedy, aged 41, from Blanchardstown, Dublin, was convicted of destroying a mobile phone SIM card on the day of the killing at Gormanston, County Meath. The court heard Kennedy had arranged to meet Butterly that afternoon and arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting. Evidence showed Kennedy's phone had contacted a burner phone connected to the murder. Kennedy claimed he panicked when approached by gardaí and destroyed the SIM card, but the judge rejected this account as not credible and found his actions were a calculated attempt to obstruct the investigation. Four men have already received life sentences for Butterly's murder, with two others also convicted and jailed for their roles. Kennedy was granted bail pending sentencing on 21 June. The unnamed accused was acquitted.
A man accused of perverting the course of justice in connection with a dissident republican murder has been remanded on bail pending judgment. The Special Criminal Court hearing concerns Ray Kennedy, who is charged with deliberately destroying a mobile telephone SIM card on the day Peter Butterly was shot dead at Gormanston, County Meath in March 2013. The prosecution contends the SIM card would have been of significant evidential value to the murder investigation. Mr Kennedy's defence counsel argued his client had plausible reason to panic after arranging to meet Mr Butterly that afternoon about an illicit matter, and that the State has failed to prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt. The three-judge court, presiding Justice Tony Hunt with Judges Gerard Griffin and Flann Brennan, will deliver judgment on May 17th. Four men have already received life sentences for Mr Butterly's murder, with two others jailed for roles in the killing. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
Two men, Robert Malole (43) and Gheorghe Cocos (44), were jailed after they followed an 87‑year‑old woman who had just withdrawn €2,000 from a bank. They watched her at the bank, followed her to a shop, pharmacy and then to her car. Cocos asked her to point out a location on a map, obscuring her view of her handbag while the money was stolen. Gardaí traced the pair through CCTV and by following their rental car, which they had obtained using their real passports. The men repaid the victim in full. They pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to theft at Brackenstown Road, Swords on 20 October 2020. Malole, who has nine previous convictions, was given an eight‑month sentence consecutive to his current term, while Cocos, who has three previous convictions and is serving a two‑year sentence with the final eight months suspended, received a 20‑month sentence.
Ray Kennedy, aged 40, has pleaded not guilty at the Special Criminal Court to a charge of perverting the course of justice. The prosecution alleges that Kennedy deliberately destroyed a mobile phone SIM card on 6 March 2013, the day dissident republican Peter Butterly was shot dead in the carpark of the Huntsman Inn at Gormanston, County Meath. Kennedy had arranged to meet Butterly that afternoon and arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting. The State contends that Kennedy's phone had been in contact with a burner phone connected to the killing, and that destroying the SIM card was intended to hamper the garda investigation. Kennedy, attending his trial remotely, is accused of deliberately destroying evidence of significant value. Four men have already received life sentences for Butterly's murder, and two others have been imprisoned for their roles in the killing. The trial, before three judges, is expected to last four to five weeks.
During a sentencing hearing in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Melanie Greally addressed the case of Daniel Flanagan, a 21‑year‑old who allowed his bank account to be used to hold proceeds of crime. Flanagan had just sat his applied Leaving Cert exam in 2018 when he gave his bank card and details to a man he owed a "drug debt" to. Garda Stephen Hughes explained that the account was used in a "Done Deal" scam where a woman paid €650 for car parts that were never received, and the seller became uncontactable. Four other victims were also given the same account, and the total money found was €2,120. Flanagan pleaded guilty to recklessly holding the proceeds of crime in September 2018 under the Money Laundering Act 2010. The judge noted that while an awareness campaign exists, schools, colleges and banks should do more to highlight the serious consequences of acting as a money mule.
In December 2020 the Court of Appeal reserved judgment on the appeal of Sharif Kelly and Edward McGrath, who were convicted of murdering Peter Butterly in 2013. The men had been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Special Criminal Court. Their conviction relied heavily on testimony from former co‑accused David Cullen, who had pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a pistol and was later turned into a State witness. Cullen's evidence, which alleged a planning meeting and the men's presence, was contested by the defence as unreliable and tainted. The appeal argued that Cullen's testimony was not credible and that the men's state of mind at the time of the murder was not established. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Justice George Birmingham, has not yet ruled on the appeal.
In a murder conviction appeal, the DPP's counsel, Paul O'Higgins SC, acknowledged that David Cullen, a former murder suspect who became a State witness, was a 'tarnished' witness. Cullen had previously pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a semi‑automatic pistol and was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment, half suspended, for that offence. He testified for four and a half days in the Special Criminal Court trial of Sharif Kelly and Edward McGrath, who were convicted of murdering Peter Butterly in 2013. The defence argued that Cullen's evidence was tainted and should have been excluded, citing his prior perjury conviction. O'Higgins countered that no rule bars a person convicted of perjury from giving evidence, and that the trial court could rely on Cullen's testimony only if corroborated by other evidence. The appeal remains before the Court of Appeal.
The appeal of Edward McGrath and Sharif Kelly, who were convicted of the murder of Peter Butterly in 2013, is ongoing before the Court of Appeal. McGrath's barrister, Paul Greene SC, argued that while McGrath was 'caught red-handed' in the criminal enterprise, there was a lack of evidence regarding his state of mind at the time of the shooting. The appeal hinges on the reliability of David Cullen's testimony, who was originally charged with the murder but later pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol at the Huntsman Inn on the day of the shooting. Cullen's evidence was central to the convictions of McGrath, Kelly, and others. The appeal is examining whether the trial judges erred in accepting Cullen's testimony, which was the basis of the convictions. The matter was adjourned for further submissions from the DPP, with Paul O'Higgins SC set to continue his arguments tomorrow. Dean Evans, who pleaded guilty to the murder, was not present for the trial but was extradited back to Ireland. The case remains in the appeal stage, with no finalised conclusions yet.
In a 2020 Court of Appeal decision, the appeal of Cornelius Price, a 38‑year‑old former gang leader from Drogheda, was dismissed. Price had been released from Wheatfield Prison on 18 May 2019 after serving three‑quarters of a three‑year sentence, with a quarter remission calculated by days. He argued that a month‑based calculation would have released him 24 hours earlier, on 17 May 2019. The court upheld the High Court's earlier ruling that the IPS's day‑based method is logical, consistent and fair, and that a month‑based approach would create ambiguity and unfairness. Justice Maire Whelan, joined by Justices George Birmingham and Isobel Kennedy, found Price's detention for the disputed 24‑hour period lawful and dismissed the appeal. Price had been convicted in 2017 for recklessly endangering a Garda during a high‑speed incident in 2014.
Two men, Edward McGrath and Sharif Kelly, are appealing their convictions for the murder of Peter Butterly, a dissident republican, in a five‑day hearing before the Court of Appeal. The appeal focuses on the reliability of evidence given by former murder suspect David Cullen, who became a State witness. Cullen's testimony, which lasted four and a half days, is alleged by the defence to be tainted and untrustworthy. The defence argues that Cullen's statements were inconsistent, often vague, and that he used evasive language such as "don't know" and "possibly" to undermine his credibility. The appeal contends that the trial judges erred by accepting Cullen's evidence and not adequately addressing his credibility. The hearing will continue the following day before a three‑judge panel of the Court of Appeal.
Jamie Nulty, aged 22, pleaded guilty to burglary at Sarah Kearney's home in Clonee on 15 July 2017, when he was 19. He broke in through a downstairs window, armed with a screwdriver, demanded money, and held Kearney at gunpoint, throwing her onto the bed and threatening her. The court heard he also pleaded guilty to dangerous driving in February 2017. Judge Karen O'Connor sentenced him to five years and nine months, back‑dating four years and seven months to credit time already spent in custody, and suspended the final 14 months on conditions. The sentence reflected mitigating factors such as his youth, homelessness and drug addiction. Kearney suffered post‑traumatic stress, loss of €1,000 in earnings and therapy costs, and remains fearful of being alone in the house. Nulty has 23 prior convictions and has not been in contact with Gardaí since the offence.
Ben Merriman, aged 22, was sentenced by Judge Melanie Greally at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to a fully suspended two‑year imprisonment for assault, trespass and criminal damage committed on 27 March 2018 at a house in Flemington Lane, Balbriggan. The offence involved Merriman and a co‑accused who entered the home in search of the co‑accused's former partner. They threatened the woman's parents, shouted that they would kill her, and forced the door down with a metal bar. Merriman spat in the mother's face, kicked the father while he was on the ground, and the other man struck the father with the metal bar. The court noted Merriman's full‑time employment, stable relationship, and compensation offered to the injured parties. The sentence is suspended on the condition that he keeps the peace and behaves well for two years. No prior convictions were recorded for Merriman. Ben Merriman pleaded guilty.
Cornelius Price, a 38‑year‑old former gang boss from Drogheda, has appealed a ruling that upheld the calculation of his release date from Wheatfield Prison. Price was convicted in February 2017 for recklessly endangering life or safety in an incident at Balbriggan Garda station in January 2014, where he drove a van at high speed at Garda Gary Dillane. He served three‑quarters of a three‑year sentence, with a quarter remission, and was released on 18 May 2019. Price argues the Irish Prison Service used days to calculate his release, whereas he believes months should have been used, which would have released him on 17 May 2019, 24 hours earlier. His counsel, Paul Carroll SC, contended the IPS's method was unsatisfactory and not based on statutory provision. The Court of Appeal heard the case on Wednesday, with the High Court having previously dismissed his challenge. The appeal remains pending, with the Court of Appeal reserving judgment.
In the Central Criminal Court, Sebastian Barczuk, aged 32, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his homeless friend Michael Kurek, aged 33, who was found with 62 stab wounds in Ballyboughal on 4 August 2017. The jury heard that Barczuk's phone connected to a Ballyboughal cell site at 00:53, one minute after Kurek's phone did so at 00:52. DNA from a Nokia 105 phone recovered from Kurek's jeans matched Barczuk's profile in a mixed sample, with a lower amount of DNA belonging to Barczuk. Barczuk denied travelling to Ballyboughal, stabbing Kurek, or being present at the scene, stating "I haven't been there" and "I'm innocent." Gardaí presented CCTV of a blue Fiat Punto, allegedly owned by Barczuk, moving through the area, and testimony that the vehicle was sold to him by Ms Ewa Raczka two days before the body was found. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, continues with a jury of twelve.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, 32‑year‑old Sebastian Barczuk pleaded not guilty to the murder of his former flatmate, 33‑year‑old Michal Kurek, who was found dead with 62 stab wounds in Ballyboughal on 4 August 2017. Barczuk, who described Kurek as a close friend and "like a brother," claimed he was shocked by the death and denied any involvement. He said he had known Kurek since 2010, that they lived together for two years, and that Kurek was homeless at the time of his death. Barczuk was arrested on 4 April 2018 after Gardaí interviewed him in Duleek and Balbriggan. The trial is ongoing, with the jury hearing evidence of Barczuk's statements, phone activity, and a possible connection to a Fiat Punto sold to him on 2 August 2017. The case remains at the investigative stage, with no verdict yet reached.
In the Central Criminal Court, the jury heard mobile‑phone cell‑site analysis linking the accused, Sebastian Barczuk, and the deceased, Michal Kurek, on the days surrounding the murder. The accused's phone connected to a cell site near Ballyboughal at 00.53 on 4 August 2017, the same time the deceased's phone used a Ballyboughal site at 00.52. Barczuk's phone made a data connection at a Ballyboughal site at 00.55, and the last activity on his phone was at 1.53 am in Dunboyne. The jury also viewed CCTV footage of a blue Fiat Punto travelling from Clonsilla Inn on 3 August to Ballyboughal on 4 August, and heard testimony that the vehicle was sold to Barczuk on 2 August. The prosecution presented the phone‑call timeline, showing multiple calls and texts between the two men on 3 August, and the defence argued that cell‑site analysis is not an exact science. Sebastian Barczuk pleaded not guilty.
In a murder case, 32‑year‑old Sebastian Barczuk pleaded not guilty to the stabbing death of 33‑year‑old Polish national Michal Kurek. Kurek was found in a country lane in Ballyboughal with 62 stab wounds and blunt‑force trauma to the head and chest. Barczuk, who had lived with Kurek in the past, told Gardaí that he did not know who killed Kurek and suggested it was "probably some psychopath". He described their friendship, Kurek's drug use and the last time he saw him in August 2017. Gardaí collected call data and cell‑site analysis of the two men's phones on the night of the murder. The trial, heard by a jury, remains ongoing with no verdict yet.
The Special Criminal Court sentenced Stephen Little (47) and Edward McDonnell (56) for unlawful possession of a semi-automatic weapon. Little, of Dublin 5, pleaded guilty to possessing a Grand Power G9 pistol at Lein Park, Harmonstown, on September 14, 2019. He was sentenced to six years' imprisonment, backdated to December 21, 2019. The judge noted Little's motivation was the murder of his son, Sean Little, and accepted he was not the intended triggerman. McDonnell, of New Ross, Co Wexford, also pleaded guilty to possessing the weapon at the same location and date. He received a nine-year sentence, backdated to September 16, 2019. The court highlighted McDonnell's 47 previous convictions and his guilty plea entered on the fifth day of trial. Both men were originally charged with having the weapon with intent to endanger life but convicted under Section 27A (1) of the Firearms Act. Gardaí recovered the loaded handgun under the passenger seat of an Audi, along with balaclavas, gloves, and a petrol can. Little, who drove McDonnell to the scene, made statements to gardaí expressing intent to kill the person responsible for his son's death. The judge described the case as one of "intended lethality" avoided by Garda intervention. Both defendants were remanded in custody prior to sentencing.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, 33‑year‑old Chunling Chen of Walkinstown pleaded guilty to providing false or misleading documentation in a passport application and to possessing a false Irish nationalisation certificate. She had paid €22,000 to obtain the documents, believing the operation was legitimate. Chen had been in Ireland since about 2008, was illegal in 2015 when she applied for a passport, and had never registered with immigration. Gardaí discovered the false certificate at her address in 2018. The court noted an element of victimisation, citing her desire to see her son in China and her recent childbirth of twins, one of whom died. Judge Pauline Codd described the operation as "somewhat exploitative" but accepted that Chen did not know it was illegal. She was sentenced to two years imprisonment, fully suspended.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Stephen Little, 47, and Edward McDonnell, 56, were charged with unlawful possession of a Grand Power G9 semi‑automatic pistol and intent to endanger life. The case stemmed from a gun seizure on a Dublin estate on 14 September 2019. Gardaí recovered a loaded handgun under the passenger seat of an Audi, along with a red petrol can, a long‑handled lighter, two balaclavas, two baseball caps, and two pairs of gloves. Little's son, Sean, 22, had been shot dead in May 2019, an event that prompted Little to make a statement to police that "had you given me another hour I would have killed the bastard that killed him." McDonnell denied knowledge of the firearm. Both men were remanded in custody pending sentencing on 31 August. The court noted that Little had one prior traffic offence and McDonnell had 47 prior convictions, including robbery, sexual assault and assault causing harm. Stephen Little pleaded guilty. Edward McDonnell pleaded guilty.
Jamie Nulty, aged 22, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to burglary at Castaheany, Clonee on 15 July 2017, when he was 19. He broke into the home of Sarah Kearney while she was in bed, armed with a screwdriver that he had entered through a downstairs window. Nulty demanded money, took her bank card and PIN, and searched the house while holding the screwdriver. He attempted to take a computer and later tried to stop Kearney from calling 999, grabbing her arm and throwing her onto the bed. The ordeal ended when he left, putting a tea towel on his head and riding a bike. Kearney suffered post‑traumatic stress disorder and claimed €1,000 in losses. Nulty also pleaded guilty to dangerous driving on 17 February 2017; he was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on 29 July. The court heard he had 23 previous convictions and was on bail for the earlier offence.
Kevin O'Keefe, 35, was released on bail pending sentencing for a series of thefts and burglaries committed on 15 August 2017 in Dublin. He pleaded guilty to three burglaries, two thefts, criminal damage, unlawful use of a car and dangerous driving. O'Keefe told the judge that he was tired of his life, had learned to read and write in prison, and wanted to become a proper father and give back to people. Judge Melanie Greally adjourned the finalisation of his case to 14 October, released him on bail and imposed conditions including living with his sister, providing a mobile number, and observing a curfew from 10 pm to 7 am. She warned that any breach would bring the case back before the court. The judge expressed scepticism but offered him a chance to change. No victim impact statements were presented. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
In February 2020, Susan Byrne, a former post office clerk at Balbriggan sub‑post office, filed a High Court damages action against An Post and the postmaster, Mr Paul Hannon, alleging negligence after an attempted tiger kidnapping on 4 October 2011. The incident involved three masked armed raiders who tied up Byrne and her husband, forcing Byrne to fill bags with money at the post office. Byrne claims she was not warned of the risks of tiger kidnappings, nor given proper training or guidance on operating the sub‑post office, and that staff were not informed of preventative measures. The post office denied the claims. On 28 February 2020, Mr Justice Mark Sanfey ruled on a pre‑trial issue regarding discovery of documents. Byrne sought the Postmasters Manual and the 2006 An Post Retail Sub‑Offices Procedures Handbook.
In a December 2019 court hearing, Declan Turner, aged 23, was sentenced to 28 months' imprisonment for a November 2018 knife attack on Garda Aine McGroarty and Garda Killian Owens. Turner, who had a history of violent offences and mental health issues, had been drinking before the incident and was described by the judge as a "very violent individual." He attacked the gardaí with a large knife after a neighbour had called the police to a Balbriggan apartment. McGroarty struck Turner on the thigh with her baton, and the gardaí managed to escape the apartment with the tenant. Turner was arrested after the incident and pleaded guilty to assault, possession of knives, criminal damage, public order and breaching a barring order. The judge noted Turner's underlying mental health problems and his alcohol intake as contributing factors to his behaviour. The sentence was imposed with a suspended portion, leaving the effective custodial term at 28 months.
A Detective Chief Superintendent has given evidence at the Special Criminal Court regarding two men charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Peter Butterly in March 2013. The victim, aged 35, was killed in a car park at Gormanston, Co Meath. Laurence Murphy, aged 62, of Bettystown, Co Meath, and Ray Kennedy, aged 40, of Blanchardstown, Dublin, have pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army. Mr Kennedy faces an additional charge of perverting the course of justice. Detective Chief Superintendent Anthony Howard, head of the Special Detective Unit, told the three-judge court of his belief that both men were members of the IRA. He declined to disclose the material upon which his belief rested, citing security concerns and the protection of life and property. Evidence was also heard of items recovered from the scene. Four men have previously received life sentences for Mr Butterly's murder, with two others also imprisoned for roles in the killing.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the ongoing trial of Laurence Murphy and Ray Kennedy, who have pleaded not guilty to IRA membership charges dated March 6, 2013, and April 2010. Mr. Kennedy also faces a charge of perverting the course of justice by destroying a SIM card. Prosecution witnesses described a meeting at Bewleys Hotel, Dublin Airport, on May 22, 2010, where Mr. Murphy was observed with Marian Price, Alan Ryan, and Anthony Ryan. The group entered a private function room, though the Ryans did not. Other testimony detailed Mr. Kennedy's presence at a 2011 meeting in Mulhuddert and at a 2012 bail hearing. The court also heard about a 2012 funeral for Alan Ryan, where three shots were fired over the coffin. While four men have already received life sentences for the murder of Peter Butterly, and Michael McDermott and Frank Murphy have been jailed for their roles in the killing, the current proceedings against Murphy and Kennedy remain at the trial stage. The matter was adjourned and continues before Justice Tara Burns, Judge Sarah Berkeley, and Judge Michael Walsh.
A man charged in connection with the 2013 murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly was observed on multiple occasions with slain Real IRA leader Alan Ryan, the Special Criminal Court heard. Laurence Murphy, aged 62, of Bettystown, Co Meath and Ray Kennedy, aged 40, of Blanchardstown, Dublin have pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA on 6 March 2013. Mr Kennedy faces an additional charge of perverting the course of justice. Detective gardaí gave evidence they saw Mr Ryan and Mr Kennedy together in Donaghmede, Dublin on separate occasions in 2011 and 2012. The court heard garda interviews wherein Mr Kennedy stated he and Mr Butterly had arranged to meet at the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath at 2.30pm on the day of the shooting. Mr Murphy was interviewed and denied IRA membership. Four men have already received life sentences following convictions for Mr Butterly's murder, with two others imprisoned for roles in the killing. The trial before Ms Justice Tara Burns continues.
Paula Underwood, 56, pleaded guilty to unlawfully using a computer to divert over €23,000 from pensioners at Donabate Post Office between 2008 and 2013. She withheld payments from 91 pensioners across 156 transactions, understating entitlements and exploiting vulnerable customers. An Post refunded the money and held the then postmaster, Mr Neill Smith, liable, requiring him to repay the sum. Underwood was sentenced to three years imprisonment with the final 18 months suspended on 30 July 2019. She sought to withdraw an appeal against the severity of her sentence, but the Court of Appeal required her to present €750 to compensate Mr Smith. After the payment was produced, the appeal was withdrawn, allowing her to remain released from prison. Mr Smith, a 32‑year postmaster, expressed betrayal and health impact but received no apology. The case highlights breaches of trust against elderly pensioners.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of Ray Kennedy and Laurence Murphy, who have pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh Na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on March 6th, 2013. Mr Kennedy is also charged with carrying out an act intending to pervert the course of justice by destroying a mobile telephone SIM card. Prosecution evidence detailed that Mr Butterly was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath, on that date. Detective Garda Shane Curran testified that a text was sent from Mr Kennedy's phone to the victim's wife at 1.43pm, joking about an IRA arrest, minutes before the killing. The prosecution alleged Mr Kennedy destroyed a SIM card to pervert the course of justice. While four other men have already received life sentences for the murder, and Michael McDermott and Frank Murphy have been jailed for their roles, the current proceedings against Mr Kennedy and Mr Murphy remain at the trial stage. The matter was adjourned to continue on Monday before Ms Justice Tara Burns, presiding alongside Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Michael Walsh.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Laurence Murphy and Ray Kennedy, both charged in connection with the killing of Peter Butterly, entered legal argument regarding the retention of mobile phone data under the Communications (Retention of Data) Act 2011. This legal challenge is linked to the case of convicted murderer Graham Dwyer, whose appeal against a High Court declaration that the Act breached EU law is due before the Supreme Court in December. Murphy and Kennedy pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, styled the IRA, on March 6, 2013. Kennedy is additionally charged with carrying out an act intending to pervert the course of justice by destroying a mobile telephone SIM card. The prosecution alleges the killing was meticulously planned. Four men—Kevin Braney, Edward McGrath, Sharif Kelly, and Dean Evans—have already received life sentences for the murder. Michael McDermott and Frank Murphy, the latter being Laurence Murphy's brother, have also been jailed for their roles in the killing. The trial continues before Ms Justice Tara Burns, Judge Sarah Berkeley, and Judge Michael Walsh.
A witness in the Special Criminal Court has testified that the shooting of dissident republican Peter Butterly in Gormanston, County Meath on 6 March 2013 was an "IRA operation". David Cullen, now in the Witness Protection Program, gave evidence in trials of Laurence Murphy and Ray Kennedy, both charged with membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA. Mr Kennedy also faces a charge of perverting the course of justice. Cullen said he was asked to dispose of a firearm immediately after the shooting and that he knew beforehand someone would be targeted, though not the victim's identity. He recovered the gun near Gormanston College and was arrested shortly after. Four men have previously received life sentences for Mr Butterly's murder, while two others received custodial sentences. During proceedings, Justice Tara Burns ruled on disclosure issues concerning Cullen's earlier statement that Mr Murphy was "never a member of the IRA", which defence counsel argued was belatedly provided. Laurence Murphy pleaded not guilty. Peter Butterly pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Laurence Murphy and Ray Kennedy, both accused of IRA membership on March 6, 2013, continued with the court listening to a secret audio recording from a KFC in Charlestown. Both men pleaded not guilty to the membership charge; Mr. Kennedy also faces a charge of perverting the course of justice by destroying a SIM card. The prosecution alleges the men attended a "debrief" meeting the day after the murder of Peter Butterly. The court heard that gardai surveillance identified Kevin Braney, Frank Murphy, and Laurence Murphy at the outlet. Kevin Braney was previously sentenced to life imprisonment for the premeditated murder of Mr. Butterly, a finding he had denied. Frank Murphy, a brother of the accused, was jailed for three years, with the final year suspended, after pleading guilty to impeding the prosecution of State witness David Cullen. Other individuals, including Edward McGrath, Sharif Kelly, and Dean Evans, received life sentences for the murder. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Tara Burns, Judge Sarah Berkeley, and Judge Michael Walsh, was adjourned and resumes next Wednesday.
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the trial of Laurence Murphy and Ray Kennedy, who both pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation. The court heard that Dave Cullen, a State's witness in the Peter Butterly murder case, was not prosecuted for alleged perjury due to fears he would not return to Ireland from a protection program abroad. Cullen had previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in suspicious circumstances. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Tara Burns, was paused after the defence requested documentation regarding the decision not to prosecute Cullen. The matter was adjourned until tomorrow. In related proceedings, Kevin Braney was found guilty of premeditated murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. Frank Murphy, brother of the accused Laurence Murphy, pleaded guilty to impeding the apprehension of Cullen and was jailed for three years, with the final year suspended. Michael McDermott, who played a role in the murder, has also been jailed. The court noted that Cullen's evidence was used in the convictions of four individuals for Butterly's murder.
John Connors, aged 22, was sentenced to two years in prison for burglary at Hamlet Lane, Balbriggan, on 4 January. He entered the house of Peter Sanya, who was watching television, claiming he had been directed to the house to find a man named Jason. Connors admitted to being intoxicated and claimed he had stolen items, but was not found with a hammer or knife at arrest. Gardaí recovered five watches, silver cufflinks, a gold chain and an iPhone from him. He had seven prior convictions, including burglary. Connors pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The judge imposed a three‑year sentence, suspending the final year on strict conditions, including compliance with the Probation Service for one year after release. The case was prosecuted by Philip Rahn BL and defended by Derek Cooney BL. The incident was reported by Detective Garda Gerard Mulroney.
An accused man was observed meeting two individuals convicted in connection with the fatal shooting of dissident republican Peter Butterly one day after the killing, the Special Criminal Court heard today. Surveillance officers told the non-jury court that on March 7, 2013, Laurence Murphy was seen at a fast-food outlet in Charlestown Shopping Centre in Dublin alongside Kevin Braney and Frank Murphy. Butterly, aged 35, was shot dead on March 6, 2013, outside a public house in Gormanston, County Meath. Braney was sentenced to life imprisonment earlier this year following conviction for the premeditated murder. The prosecution contends the group gathered for a debrief regarding the previous day's events. Murphy, of Bettystown, County Meath, and Ray Kennedy, of Blanchardstown, Dublin, have pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA on that date. Kennedy faces an additional charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice. The trial continues.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of Ray Kennedy (39) and Laurence Murphy (62), who have pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the IRA on March 6, 2013. Kennedy is also charged with perverting the course of justice by destroying a mobile SIM card. The prosecution presented the statement of Eithne Butterly, widow of dissident republican Peter Butterly, who was shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co Meath, on that date. Mrs Butterly told gardai that Kennedy was a "good friend" to both of them and that her husband had received five death threats, including one from Alan Ryan. She stated her husband told her he was meeting Kennedy at 2pm on March 6, 2013, though Kennedy maintains the meeting was scheduled for 2.30pm. The court heard that four men—Kevin Braney, Edward McGrath, Sharif Kelly, and Dean Evans—have already received life sentences for the murder, while Michael McDermott and Frank Murphy have also been jailed for their roles in the killing. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Tara Burns, Judge Sarah Berkeley, and Judge Michael Walsh, resumes tomorrow.
Ray Kennedy (39) and Laurence Murphy (62) are on trial at the Special Criminal Court, having pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh Na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on March 6, 2013. Mr Kennedy is also charged with carrying out an act intending to pervert the course of justice by destroying a mobile telephone SIM card. The prosecution alleges the pair were involved in the "meticulously planned killing" of dissident republican Peter Butterly (35), who was shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co Meath, on that date. Testimony from Detective Garda Alan Waters indicated that Mr Kennedy arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting, claiming he was meeting his "friend" Mr Butterly. The prosecution suggests Mr Kennedy destroyed the SIM card to destroy evidence. While the current trial is ongoing, four other men—Kevin Braney, Edward McGrath, Sharif Kelly, and Dean Evans—have already received life sentences for Mr Butterly's murder. Additionally, Michael McDermott (60) and Frank Murphy (59), who played roles in the murder, have also been jailed. The trial resumes before Justice Tara Burns, sitting with Judges Sarah Berkeley and Michael Walsh.
The Special Criminal Court heard the opening of the prosecution case against Ray Kennedy and Laurence Murphy, who have pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh Na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA. Kennedy, 39, is additionally charged with carrying out an act intending to pervert the course of justice by destroying a mobile telephone SIM card. The trial concerns the killing of dissident republican Peter Butterly in March 2013. Prosecution counsel alleged that Kennedy arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting, having arranged a meeting with the victim, and subsequently destroyed a SIM card. It was further alleged that Murphy's vehicle passed the location two days prior to the incident and that he attended a debriefing meeting afterwards. The court heard that four other men have already received life sentences for the murder, while Michael McDermott and Frank Murphy, the latter being Laurence Murphy's brother, have also been jailed for their roles in the killing. David Cullen, whose plea to a lesser charge was accepted in 2014, turned State's witness. The trial is ongoing before a three-judge panel and resumes tomorrow.
Paula Underwood, 56, of Balbriggan, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment with 18 months suspended for unlawfully using a computer to steal €23,213 from 91 pensioners between July 2008 and October 2013 at Donabate Post Office. She withheld weekly payments, manipulating the system to take money that was not hers. An Post refunded all affected customers and blamed the IT system in letters. The postmaster, Mr Neill Smith, was held liable and set up a repayment plan, paying €5,000 initially and still owing about €6,000. Mr Smith, who had been proud of his post office, expressed betrayal and health impact. Underwood was dismissed, made a voluntary statement to Gardaí, and admitted wrongdoing. She had no prior convictions and was planning to start a state‑funded fashion design course after sentencing. The judge described the crimes as despicable breaches of trust against elderly persons. Paula Underwood pleaded guilty.
Piotr Waleza, 46, of Balbriggan, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two counts of handling stolen vehicles in 2014. He sold a Hyundai Santa Fe and a Ford Focus, each stolen three days earlier, for €6,000 and €5,850 respectively, to self‑employed buyers who suffered financial loss and emotional distress. The court heard that Waleza had a terminal illness with a poor prognosis and had been living in Ireland for 14 years, with prior convictions in Ireland and Poland for drink‑driving, fraud and driving without a licence. Judge Karen O'Connor imposed a suspended three‑year jail term, citing the seriousness of the offences and Waleza's ill health. She ordered €1,000 to be divided between the two injured parties and noted that Waleza had admitted to Gardaí that he knew the vehicles were stolen and sought to profit from them. The sentence reflects the judge's view that the crimes were pre‑meditated and dishonest.
In a case heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Denis Kaczor Niecko, aged 30, was sentenced to two and a half years' imprisonment for handling stolen vehicles. He admitted to dealing with a stolen Audi A3 in Balscadden, Co. Dublin, between 9 and 22 February 2017, and a stolen Nissan Juke in Poppintree, Dublin 11, between 19 April and 11 May 2017. The judge, Melanie Greally, suspended the final 12 months of the sentence on strict conditions, citing a probation report that showed a willingness to cooperate. Niecko had raised €2,000 in compensation for the owners of the vehicles, but both owners refused the money; it was directed to the McVerry Trust. He was also found to have been involved in a jet‑ski sale to an undercover Garda, during which he fled in a van and crashed 200 metres up the road. The court noted his prior 23 convictions, his mental‑health difficulties, and his expressed remorse. Denis Kaczor Niecko pleaded guilty.
Nicholas Keane, 41, of Balbriggan, was jailed for three years after pleading guilty to ten counts of handling stolen vehicles and two counts of inducing others to purchase stolen cars between July and October 2016. He sold ten stolen cars on the "Donedeal" website for €88,795, earning about €500 per sale. Keane admitted he was motivated by financial hardship and wanted to provide for his eight children. He denied involvement in the thefts, claiming he was only the front‑man who met buyers, handed over registration details and accepted cash. The judge, Melanie Greally, suspended the last year of a four‑year sentence on the condition that he obeys Probation Service directions regarding substance abuse. Keane expressed remorse and said he would repay victims if he won the lottery. The article reports the victims' financial losses and the impact on their lives.